Grammy nominations day: Look for Trischka

They'll announce the Grammy nominations starting at 11:30 our time this morning. As always, I'll be rush-reading the lists to connect the dots between the top music trophies and Central New York.

My most solid prediction is that we'll see Tony Trischka's name on the list. He scored big with three trophies in October at the International Bluegrass Music Awards for his Rounder Records CD "Double Banjo Bluegrass Spectacular."

If you'd like to read my quick synopsis of the Syracuse native's career from The Post-Standard after he won those three awards, plus my review of the CD, click continue reading.

Banjo player Tony Trischka, a Syracuse native, won a trio of awards Thursday night during the International Bluegrass Music Awards at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tenn.

Trischka learned to play the banjo while he was growing up in Syracuse. He first picked up the instrument at age 14, in 1963, after seeing the Kingston Trio on the cover of Life magazine.

He's a graduate of Nottingham High School who studied art history and music history at Syracuse University, where his father was a professor.

He moved to New York City in 1973, when he was 23, and became known as one of the top players and teachers of the banjo in the world. One of his students: Bela Fleck, the newgrass player who has become a worldwide favorite with his band, The Flecktones, for merging jazz and bluegrass styles.

Trischka still plays in Syracuse annually.

He could not be reached for comment Friday, but in a 2002 interview from his home in Fair Lawn, N.J., Trischka said he appreciates seeing familiar faces here.

"No family (in Syracuse) anymore. Friends," he said. "And the friends are like family. As I've always said, Syracuse is still home. It's still where the heart is."

A BANJO "SPECTACULAR'
TRISCHKA GETS A LITTLE HELP FROM HIS FAMOUS FRIENDS ON NEW CD

Syracuse native Tony Trischka cements his stature as a true star of the banjo with his new Rounder Records CD "Double Banjo Bluegrass Spectacular."

First off, look at the folks who signed on to complete the "Double Banjo" part of the title. Big names Earl Scruggs, Bela Fleck and Steve Martin - yes, that Steve Martin, the iconic comic/actor who has recommitted his passion for the banjo - all contribute their talents to the 14-song collection.

Second, listen to the sound that defines the "Bluegrass Spectacular" label.

Trischka and his friends sound clear, crisp and vibrant on the combination of original and traditional songs.

For four decades now, Trischka's been considered as one of the planet's master banjo players and educators. Besides bluegrass, he's made his stamp on world music and jazz, too.

This CD concentrates on his bluegrass roots. When he starts the collection with his duet of "Farewell Blues" with the legendary Scruggs, their love for the truly American genre rings true.

Yet his two collaborations with jazzgrass Bela Fleck, one of his students way back when, stray with great satisfaction into the more improvisational framework of jazz. "Twilight Kingdom" wanders into jazz without abandoning the bluegrass idiom. Then the two stars rev it up like a car building speed on the straightaway for a thrilling, checkered-flag finish. It's positively invigorating. On "Armando's Children," Trischka and Fleck shun any other instrumental help. The two banjos entwine passionately.

Comedian Martin's talent rings sweet and steady on "The Crow" and "The Plunkin' Bag."

Master Dobro player Jerry Douglas, of Union Station fame, adds his wondrous string work to "Farewell Blues" and "Twilight Kingdom." Standout mandolin player Barry Mitterhoff, recently seen in these parts as part of David Bromberg's band, adds his steady hand to "The Crow."

Ardent bluegrass fans will appreciate the extensive, song-by-song liner notes. You have to give it up for Trischka as he explains how he wrote "Doggie Salt" by reversing the chords of Scruggs' "Salty Dog."